31“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’” Luke 15:31-32 NLT
The previous parts discussed the actions of the prodigal son, the father, and the older brother’s behavior at his younger brother’s return. Here in the last two verses is probably the most impactful part and shows the heart of the father. The father of the two sons on the surface would appear to be in a difficult situation in the middle of a sibling rivalry. What the father shows by his behavior is that true love can’t be stretched thin based on the actions of those you love, and that you are able to love your children or loved ones equally even when it may be expressed differently. A lost son has returned home, and the son who never left is salty at the joyous welcome that the lost son is receiving upon his return. How is a father supposed to balance two polar opposite emotions at the same time while attempting to not lose either of his sons? The father delicately navigates this situation by honestly displaying his love for both sons. Pt 3 highlighted the celebration the father threw for the safe return of his son, realizing that his son returning home safe and in good health was a prayer answered. When we see the fulfillment of our prayers answered in the return of a “lost” family member, friend, or partner in the faith, there is reason to celebrate, and we as believers should express our appreciation and value of one another in more than just words, but also actions. While celebrating and recognizing the special moment with the younger son, he realizes that there is the possibility that he may lose his oldest son who stayed by his side during the younger son’s absence. So he being a good and loving father intentionally takes the time to personally visit his oldest son to address whatever his concern may be. What is important is the father doesn’t minimize his son’s feelings, or ignore the work/activity/sacrifices that the older son had performed while serving him at the home. It is important to recognize and appreciate the services of those who remain close to you, in truth, it is also important to properly assess and critique the work/actions of those standing alongside you. The father is able to acknowledge the oldest son’s contributions, but redirect the attention and focus of the moment to the more important thing…..the younger son’s return. I can imagine that it is easy to take a loyal child, sibling, or friend’s love for granted, and they can feel forgotten when the routine of daily matters sets in, but we must be careful to remind those who we value, how much we appreciate them. He tells the older son of his value for him, and redirects the focus back to the celebration of the lost brother returning. The father would not allow the older brother’s moment of jealousy to cause him to miss a special moment, and wallow in un-forgiveness, jealousy, or hate. As a parent or mature individual in the faith, we are called to intervene in quarrels between sisters/brothers in the faith, and display the love of Christ when one is in a moment of weakness, or in need of reconciliation. It is a delicate situation, but we must always try our best to celebrate those who join or return to the faith, while also celebrating those who remain faithful.
Reflection Time
Are you salty over the blessings, celebration, or acceptance of those who are new to the faith, or returning to the faith? Have you felt forgotten by God (the father), your family, friends, or fellow believers even though you have remained faithful? Don’t allow the actions of others to impact your relationship with God.
